Warfare History Blog: Macbethian era Scotland and the Battle of Lumphanan 1057 8/15/12 Macbethian era Scotland and the Battle of Lumphanan 1057 On this day in History 1057, Macbeth, the King of Scots, then known as the King of Alba, was killed at the Battle of [the Peelring of] Lumphanan in what is today Aberdeenshire , Scotland . Macbeth was killed in battle by the combined Scottish-Scandinavian army of Prince Malcolm Canmore, the son of the dethroned and murdered King Duncan I. Macbeth in combat, 19th century depiction The Battle of Lumphanan began when a small band of Macbeth’s retainers, 300-450 mounted warriors and the former King Macbeth were ambushed as they were on the march south by Prince Malcolm’s army near or at the Peelring of Lumphanan, southeast of Essie.

An odd looking landmark, the Peel of Lumphanan is a sort of pudgy hill fortification or redoubt, which the saga writers and chroniclers believed was the ikely place where the battle was fought and the usurper-king killed. Macbeth was either found amongst the dead on the battlefield by Prince Malcolm or captured and summarily executed immediately after the end of the skirmish. Ambush of Macbeth at Lumphanan The Peelring Very little is known about the real King Macbeth who is most certainly one of the more infamous and yet unaccomplished monarchs in Scottish history. Made immortal by William Shakespeare’s famous "Scottish play", the tragedy of Macbeth. The now famous character of Macbeth, "Thane of Glamis & Thane of Cawdor" and later King from the original play and from various derived films since the Orson Welles adaption of 1948, is a highly fictionalized and inaccurate caricature borrowing very little from the real life and reign of Macbeth, Lord of Moray and King of Alba (Scotland), 1040-1057.

What is known of the real Macbeth is that he was born around 1005 AD to Finlay, Mormaer (high steward) of Moray. Some scholars agree that Macbeth was most certainly a grandson of Malcolm II, King of Alba 1005-1034, making his claim to the throne in 1040 very much a valid one. Throughout his fathers long life and reign as Mormaer of Moray, Finlay had always held a desire for control over all of Norhtern Scotland and was eventually murdered by his nephews sometime in 1020. In August of 1040 Macbeth usurped the throne and killed his longtime rival King Duncan I. The King a usurper himself led an army north into Macbeth's kingdom there he was slain outside Elgin (Pitvageny , Morayshire), winning the bloody crown of Alba for himself.

Macbeth as depicted in the 19th century Before and especially during the era of Macbeth 1000-1100, Scotland remained divided into warring fiefdoms and regional kingdoms, ruled primarily by Scots-Gaelic kings and lords, and the Dano-Norse Viking descendants who still held territory in Scotland, including Orkney and the Western Isles. Many of these kingdoms were entirely autonomous from the rule of the King’s of Alba. Many of the Dano-Norse jarls and Northumbria/Cumbria (England) earls were at constant war with the Scottish lords, who in turn frequently challenged the rule of the King of Alba. Long before Macbeth took power usurpation, regicide, and rebellion were the rule not the exception. Hereditary rights meant to the lords and kings of Scotland during this era, with usurpation becoming one of the very critical components to early Scottish history in 10th and 11th centuries.

Kingdom of Alba (Scotland), Moray, & North England (Northumbria) Eventually Macbeth’s usurpation did come back to haunt him, no pun intended, when Duncan’s son, Prince Malcolm Canmore with the help of his uncle Siward, Earl of Northumbria, invaded Scotland with an allied English, Scottish, and Scandinavian host. Siward’s armies met Macbeth’s at Dunsinane Hill in July 1054 smashing Macbeth’s host, forcing the king and his armies to withdraw north. Though Siward had mauled Macbeth's army he had lost thousands in the battle including his eldest son and many of his housecarls (household retainers/bodyguards). Despite this great defeat Macbeth still held on to power as King of Alba, moreover as Mormaer of Moray. This first invasion of Macbeth’s kingdom lost steam shortly after the Battle of Dunsinane with Siward’s death in 1055.

Malcolm would not avenge his father until the Battle of Lumphanan on August 15, not taking the title of King of Alba until a year later in 1058 after the death of Macbeth's stepson and heir Lulach. Major Kings of Alba ( Scotland) during the Macbethian Age 1000-1100 AD Kenneth III reigned 997-1005-Son of Dubh. Usurped the throne from King Constantine III (r.995-997), known as Constantine the Bald, killing him and his heir at Rathinveramon near Scone in 997 AD. His eldest son Giric was an active member of Kenneth's reign and war council. Both the King and his son killed by Malcolm's rebels in battle at Monzievaird, Strathearn 1005. Malcolm II reigned 1005-1034-Son of Kenneth II, inherits his fathers throne after his death at Monzievaird. Nearly killed when his forces are massacred by the Northumbrians in 1006.

Captures Lothian in 1018 after the Battle of Carham. At war during most of reign with Orkney and Northumbria. Makes several alliances with the Danes, and an important treaty with King Cnut of England, Denmark, Norway, and 'some' Swedes, in the year 1032, establishing the Anglo-Scottish border. Dies of wounds sustained in a siege of Glamis castle in 1034 with no direct heir. Duncan I r.1034-1040-Son of Crínán. Grandson or perhaps a nephew of King Malcolm II, who made war with the lords of Moray, Orkney, and Northumbria during his reign. Killed at Pitgaveny near Elgin in a "blacksmiths hut" by Macbeth's army or perhaps by Macbeth himself in August of 1040 after leading an army against Macbeth. Macbeth I r.1040-1057- Son of Finlay of Moray. Thane of Cromarty and later Mormaer of Moray who fought Danish invaders during his early career.

Usurped the throne from King Duncan I in 1040 after he raised an army and invaded Moray. Crowned King in Scone of the same year. Macbeth kills Duncan ’s father and 180 of his men during the Revolt of Crínán in 1045. Forms an alliance with the Leinster Irish king Diarmait mac Mal and with Earl Thorfinn of Orkney. Makes a pilgrimage to Rome in 1050, known for his piety and generosity. Defeated in the Battle of Dunsinane Hill in 1054, but holds onto the kingship of Alba until he abdicated in favor of his step-son Lulach. King Macbeth was Malcolm Canmore's men in battle in 1057 at Lumphanan, and buried on Iona. Leading scion of the house of Moray in the 11th century. Lulach r.1057-1058- Known as the ‘Fool, or the Unlucky’ & the 'Simple King of Scotland'.

Stepson of Macbeth, crowned near Scone shortly before Macbeth was killed at Lumphanan. Killed by Prince Malcolm either in the Battle of Essie (Strathbogie) in what is today Huntly, Aberdeenshire, or perhaps before the battle under treacherous circumstances, perhaps when parlay was offered by Malcolm Canmore. Buried on Iona. Malcolm Canmore (Caennmor), King Malcolm III r.1058-1093- Son of Duncan I, Prince Malcolm Canmore, meaning literally “large or great head” or a leader/chief, lived in exile in Northern England after the death of his father King Duncan. Kills Macbeth and his only heir in 1057-1058. Makes war with England three separate times trying to expand south. Pays homage in 1072 to William the Bastard, known also as the Conqueror, King of England, 1066-1087.

Killed at the Battle of Alnwick, Northumbria, in 1093 along with his eldest son by the Mormaer of Bamborough, steward of the Norman Robert Mowbray, Earl of Northumbria. Donald the Fair, Donalbane, King Donald III r.1094-1097-Younger brother of Malcolm III who took the throne after his brother’s death by exiling his eldest surviving sons. Ruled jointly with his nephew Prince Edmund, who was later exiled to England, becoming a monk a dieing of old age. Deposed for a year in 1094 by his nephew Duncan II but restored after his death in the same year. Died after being captured, imprisoned, and later blinded by King Edgar. Last true King of Alba (the ancient kingdom of Scotland) and the last buried on Iona presumably. Duncan II r.1094- Son of Malcolm III who lived for most of his youth in Norman England as a noble hostage of King William beginning in 1072. Deposed his uncle Donalbane in 1094 with the help of a Anglo-Norman army.

Killed at the Battle of Monthecin (Mondynes) by the Mormaer of Mearns Novemeber. Edgar, The Valiant, King of Scots r. 1097-1107-Third Son of Malcolm III who invaded Scotland in 1097, with the help of William II, King of England 1087-1100. In 1098 he cedes control of the Western Isles to the King of Norway Magnus 'Barefoot'. Deposed his uncle King Donald and his brother Edmund and took the throne. Died without issue passing the throne to his brothers, Alexander I, 1107-1124 and David I, 1124-1153.

Suggested Further Reading Scottish King Macbeth was killed at the Battle of Lumphanan Scottish King Macbeth was killed at the Battle of Lumphanan Additional information Event Mac Bethad mac Findlaích (MacBheatha mac Fhionnlaigh), anglicised as Macbeth, and nicknamed Rí Deircc, "the Red King"; died 15 August 1057) was King of the Scots (also known as the King of Alba, and earlier as King of Moray and King of Fortriu) from 1040 until his death. He is best known as the subject of William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth and the many works it has inspired, although the play presents a highly inaccurate picture of his reign and personality. Macbeth did not survive the English invasion, for he was defeated and mortally wounded or killed by the future Malcolm III ("King Malcolm Ceann-mor", son of Duncan I) on the north side of the Mounth in 1057, after retreating with his men over the Cairnamounth Pass to take his last stand at the battle at Lumphanan.

The Prophecy of Berchán has it that he was wounded and died at Scone, sixty miles to the south, some days later.Macbeth's stepson Lulach mac Gille Coemgáin was installed as king soon after. Battle of Lumphanan | Military Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Belligerents Macbeth of Scotland † Máel Coluim mac Donnchada Location within Aberdeenshire The Battle of Lumphanan was fought on 15 August 1057, between Macbeth , King of Scotland, and Máel Coluim mac Donnchada , the future King Malcolm III. Macbeth was killed, having drawn his retreating forces north to make a last stand. According to tradition, the battle took place near the Peel of Lumphanan in Aberdeenshire. Macbeth's Stone, some Script error south-west of the peel, is said to be the stone upon which Macbeth was beheaded. [1] Macbeth the Traitor | Article about Macbeth the Traitor by The Free Dictionary Macbeth the Traitor | Article about Macbeth the Traitor by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Dictionary , Wikipedia .

Macbeth (măkbĕth`), d. 1057, king of Scotland (1040–57). He succeeded his father as governor of the province of Moray c.1031 and was a military commander for Duncan I. In 1040 he killed Duncan in battle and seized the throne. Possibly of royal descent himself, he acquired a direct claim to the throne through his wife, Gruoch; she was a granddaughter of Kenneth III, who had been overthrown by Duncan's ancestor Malcolm II. Macbeth represented northern elements in the population who were opposed to the ties with the Saxons advocated by Duncan. Macbeth was defeated in 1054 by Siward Siward , d. 1055, earl of Northumbria. A Danish warrior, he probably came to England with King Canute. At the behest of King Harthacanute in 1041 he ravaged Worcestershire and perhaps murdered Eadwulf of Northumbria; thereafter he was himself earl of Northumbria. ..... Click the link for more information.

, earl of Northumbria, who regained the southern part of Scotland on behalf of Malcolm Canmore, Duncan's son. Malcolm himself regained the rest of the kingdom after defeating and killing Macbeth in the battle of Lumphanan. He then succeeded to the throne as Malcolm III Malcolm III (Malcolm Canmore), d. 1093, king of Scotland (1057–93), son of Duncan I; successor to Macbeth (d. 1057). It took him some years after Macbeth's death to regain the boundaries of his father's kingdom. ..... Click the link for more information. . William Shakespeare's version of the story comes from the accounts of Raphael Holinshed and Hector Boece. Macbeth (religion, spiritualism, and occult) Fillet of a fenny snake, In the cauldron boil and bake; Eye of newt and tongue of dog, Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting. . . These words, from the Second Witch of the three in Shakespeare's Macbeth (Act IV, Sc. 1), are words that most people automatically associate with witches.

The picture of the three old hags gathered about a steaming cauldron, throwing in all kinds of obnoxious ingredients and stirring the brew, is typical of the popular misconceptions of Witches and Witchcraft. In the play, written about 1605, Macbeth is guided by the prophesies of the three witches, their words encouraging him to commit murder in his quest to become king. Ultimately, he dies cursing the three and the day he met them on the heath. Interestingly, Shakespeare never refers to the three as "witches" in the words of the play, but as "Weird Sisters." The witch scenes in Macbeth are based on the idea of witches concocting evil brews with gruesome ingredients. In fact, this idea was the result of the propaganda of the Christian Church, at a time when it was trying to stamp out its rival Witchcraft and Paganism in general. The play was written only two years after King James I came to the throne with all his prejudices against the Old Religion. Witches did boil up brews when at their sabbats, but these were ordinary stews and soups to eat.

The horrible-sounding ingredients thrown into the mixture were no more than herbs and roots, known in those days by colorful names. These names were frequently based on the appearance of the plant: the shape or texture of its leaves or the color of its flowers, for example. Macbeth's witches speak of lizard's legs, adder's fork or tongue, fillet of snake, and dog's tongue. Breast weed (Saururus cernuus) was commonly known as lizard's tail or lizard's leg; the dogtooth violet (Erythronium dens-canis) was known as adder's tongue; fillet of snake was adder's meat or chickweed (Stellaria holostea); dog's tongue was tory weed (Cynoglossum officinale). Most ingredients mentioned in Macbeth and elsewhere were simply the common names of plants and herbs. Shakespeare added to the Pagan image of the witches by having them conjure Hecate, the Greek goddess of Witchcraft. Shakespearean scholars believe that Macbeth was originally a shorter play than the one we have today. It is generally felt that the witchcraft scenes were added or expanded after the main play had been written.

Some suggest that it might not have been Shakespeare who was responsible—that possibly Middleton made the additions. His play, The Witch, had been published in 1600. Macbeth Malcolm slays Macbeth - Aug 15, 1057 - HISTORY.com Malcolm slays Macbeth Publisher A+E Networks At the Battle of Lumphanan, King Macbeth of Scotland is slain by Malcolm Canmore, whose father, King Duncan I, was murdered by Macbeth 17 years earlier. Macbeth was a grandson of King Kenneth II and also had a claim to the throne through his wife, Gruoch, who was the granddaughter of Kenneth III–the Scottish king who had been overthrown by Duncan’s predecessor King Malcolm II. Under King Duncan, Macbeth was governor of the Scottish province of Moray and a trusted military commander. However, he opposed Duncan’s ties to the Saxons in the South, and he rose in rebellion. On August 14, 1040, Macbeth killed Duncan in a battle near Elgin, and he was crowned king of Scotland in his place.

In 1054, after 14 years of rule, King Macbeth suffered a major military defeat at the Battle of Dunsinane against Siward, the earl of Northumbria. Siward was acting on behalf of Malcolm Canmore, Duncan’s son. Malcolm then gained control of the southern part of Scotland and spent the next three years pursuing Macbeth, who fled to the north. On August 15, 1057, Macbeth was defeated and killed by Malcolm at the Battle of Lumphanan with the assistance of the English. Malcolm Canmore was crowned Malcolm III in 1058. Related Videos Battle of Flodden: When kings were killed in battle - BBC News BBC News Battle of Flodden: When kings were killed in battle By Giancarlo Rinaldi South Scotland reporter, BBC Scotland news website 9 September 2013 Read more about sharing. Close share panel Image caption King James IV of Scotland was the last monarch to be killed in battle in Britain, in 1513 The last king to die on the battlefield in Britain was King James IV of Scotland at Flodden 500 years ago.

He was the last in a long line of rulers - particularly north of the border - to meet their end in such a manner. It was once an occupational risk which came with ruling a nation. For centuries, a monarch was expected to lead troops into battle. Of course, that meant some of their number were in danger of losing their lives to the enemy. King James IV died at the Battle of Flodden on 9 September 1513. The Scottish king crossed the border with an army of about 30,000 men supported by artillery. His mission was to honour his alliance with France and divert troops from the main English army which was in France under Henry VIII. Image caption William the Conqueror's forces killed King Harold II before he, in turn, was fatally injured in France Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, gathered an army of about 20,000 to oppose him. The battle began in late afternoon on 9 September but it proved to be one-sided. "By nightfall the Scottish army was annihilated," records the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

"James was killed, together with at least 10,000 of his subjects, including high officers of church and state and many nobles. "These losses - and the fact that James left an infant son to succeed him - took Scotland out of international politics for a decade." Dying in battle was, in fact, something of a tradition among the Stuart monarchs. James IV's father, James III, was killed in or shortly after the Battle of Sauchieburn as he tried to quell a rebellion near Stirling in 1488. His own son was part of that uprising. Their ancestor James II was killed during a siege of Roxburgh Castle in 1460. A cannon used in the siege exploded causing his death. Battle of Flodden Field More key moments in the history of Scotland That run of three Scottish monarchs in a row to meet their end in battle was almost four. James V is thought to have suffered a "mental breakdown" after the Battle of Solway Moss in 1542 but did not die until shortly afterwards. The late 15th and early 16th Century were, indeed, bloody times for rulers on both sides of the border.

Richard III was the last English king to die in battle, at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. He was killed by the forces of the Lancastrian contender for the crown, Henry Tudor - the future Henry VII. Of his final moments, the Encyclopaedia Britannica recorded the king "was unhorsed and killed in the bog". The names of many of the kings killed in conflict remain famous to this day. Richard I of England, the Lionheart, died during a siege in France in 1199. Image caption Richard III died at the Battle of Bosworth Field A similar fate was met by William I, the Conqueror, who also suffered fatal injuries while fighting in France. His predecessor, King Harold II, had been killed at the Battle of Hastings by Norman invaders under William's command in 1066. Seized the throne There were also bloody connections north of the border between Malcolm III, Macbeth and Duncan I. Macbeth took Duncan's life in battle near Elgin in 1040 before he, in turn, was killed by Malcolm in 1057 at the Battle of Lumphanan in Aberdeenshire .

Malcolm would later die at the Battle of Alnwick in 1093. A number of other earlier Scottish kings also lost their lives in conflict. Kenneth III was killed in battle in 1005 at Monzievaird, Perthshire, by his kinsman Malcolm, who seized the throne. Scots King Indulf died fighting the Danes in 962, Malcolm I is thought to have been killed at Fetteresso, Kincardineshire, by rebels from Moray in 954 and Constantine I lost his life fighting Norse invaders in Fife in 877. The long-standing tradition of leading your troops in battle did not die out until quite some time after the last king was killed in conflict. More than 200 years after the Battle of Flodden, George II, at the age of 60, was the last British sovereign to take such a role, at the Battle of Dettingen in 1743 in Germany, against the French. Since then, no British monarch has run the risk of replacing the name of James IV of Scotland in the history books by leading their soldiers in conflict.

King Macbeth of Scotland | Britroyals Name: King Macbeth of Scotland Father: Finlay MacRory, Mormaer of Moray Mother: Donalda, daughter of Malcolm II Relation to Elizabeth II: 4th cousin 27 time removed House of: Dunkeld Ascended to the throne: August 14, 1040 Married: Gruoch, daughter of Beoedh, son of Kenneth III , 1034 Children: one stepson Lulach Died: August 15, 1057, killed at the Battle of Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire by Malcolm III Buried at: Isle of Iona Succeeded by: his stepson Lulach Macbeth (Mac Bethad mac Findla�ch) was the son of Finlay of Moray, and Donalda daughter of Malcolm II. He was king of Moray and became king of the Scots when Duncan was killed in 1040. Duncan�s father Crinan was killed at Dunkeld in1045. Macbeth married Guroch (Lady Macbeth) granddaughter of Malcolm II who had a son Lulach by her previous marriage.

Macbeth was immortalised in the play by William Shakespeare although the play is historically inaccurate. In Shakespeare's play, Macbeth is portrayed as a good-hearted general when he was ruler of Moray to King Duncan, but is manipulated by his wife Lady Macbeth and three witches into becoming a villainous, depressive maniac haunted by the murder of Duncan. In fact Macbeth had as much right as Duncan to the throne and ruled successfully for 17 years. He was generous friend of the church and reported to have made a pilgrimage to Rome in 1050 where he gave money to the poor. In 1054 Macbeth�s forces were defeated at Dunsinane by a combined army of English, Norse and lowland Scots under Siward, Earl of Northumberland. Malcolm eldest son of Duncan was installed as ruler of Perth and Fife. In 1057 Macbeth was killed by Malcolm in battle at Lumphanan in Mar, Aberdeenshire. His stepson Lulach became briefly king. Timeline for King Macbeth of Scotland Year King MacBeth 1005-1057 - LeRoy-Quebec King Mac Bethad mac Findláich ​c.

1005–August 15, 1057 PLACE OF BIRTH: Alba, Scotland PLACE OF DEATH: Lumphanan, Scotland AKA: Macbeth Macbeth FULL NAME: Mac Bethad mac Findláich Macbeth was king of Scotland during the 11th century. He was also the basis for Shakespeare's play Macbeth. Synopsis Macbeth took the throne after killing his cousin, King Duncan I, in battle in 1040. In 1046, Siward, earl of Northumbria, unsuccessfully attempted to dethrone Macbeth in favor of Malcolm. In 1054, Macbeth was apparently forced by Siward to yield part of southern Scotland to Malcolm. Three years later, Macbeth was killed in battle by Malcolm, with assistance from the English. Early Life Considered to be one of the last Gaelic kings, the real Macbeth MacFindlaech was not the murderous, terrible character of William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macbeth was born in Alba in central Scotland around 1005—the same year that his grandfather became king.

His father, Findlaech MacRuaridh, was mormaer (an earl) of Moray, a province in northern Scotland. His mother, Doada, was the second daughter of Malcolm II. Historians describe the young Macbeth as tall, fair haired and handsome, with a ruddy complexion. Earl of Moray At the age of 7, Macbeth was sent to a Christian monastery to be educated by monks—a requirement for all important chieftains' sons. At age 15, Macbeth's cousins, Malcolm and Gillecomgain, killed his father, possibly for being too close to Malcolm II, king of Scotland. After his tutelage, Macbeth reappeared around 1032 when his cousin, Gillecomgain, was killed by order of Malcolm II for his killing of Findlaech. Macbeth was then elected mormaer of Moray, and soon married Gillecomgain's widow, Grouch, and adopted her son, Lulach. The marriage strengthened his claim to the throne. On November 24, 1034, Malcolm II died of natural causes.

One month later, his son, Duncan MacCrinan, was elected king. For six uneasy years, Duncan ruled Scotland with a thirst for power countermanded by his incompetence on the battlefield. In 1038, Ealdred, earl of Northumbria, attacked southern Scotland, but the effort was repelled and Duncan's chiefs encouraged him to lead a counterattack. Duncan also wanted to invade the Orkneys Islands to the north. Over the objections of all of his advisers, he chose to do both. King of Scotland In 1040, Duncan opened up two fronts. The attack on the Orkneys was led by his nephew, Moddan, and Duncan led a force toward Northumbria. Both armies were soon routed and reformed only to be pursued by Thorfinn, mormaer of Orkney. Macbeth joined Thorfinn and, together, they were victorious, killing Moddan. On August 14, 1040, Macbeth defeated Duncan's army, killing him in the process. Later that month, Macbeth led his forces to Scone, the Scottish capital, and, at age 35, he was crowned king of Scotland.

For 17 years, life was peaceful and prosperous as Macbeth ruled with an even hand and encouraged the spread of Christianity. He enacted several good laws, among them one that enforced Celtic tradition requiring officers of the court to defend women and orphans anywhere in the kingdom. Another allowed daughters the same rights of inheritance as sons. The only domestic disruption was in 1045, a rebellion by Duncan I's supporters that was soon suppressed. In 1046, Siward, earl of Northumbria, unsuccessfully attempted to dethrone Macbeth. In 1050, Macbeth and his wife traveled to Rome for a papal jubilee, giving alms to the poor and donating to the Church. However, upon his return, Macbeth faced political turmoil brewing outside his realm. In 1052, Normans living in England fled the chaotic situation into Scotland. Celtic custom held that all travelers were welcome in Macbeth's court. However, this act of kindness didn't set too well with English lords. Around the same time, Duncan's 21-year-old son, Malcolm MacDuncan, was lobbying English lords that he was best-suited to serve as king of Scotland.

Military Defeat and Death In time, Malcolm's efforts led to action. In 1054, Siward, earl of Northumbria, accompanied by Malcolm, led an army north into Scotland. Meeting little resistance from the southern provinces, they continued north. On July 27, 1054, Macbeth's forces met the invaders in Dunsinnan, close to the capital in Scone. By the end of the battle, 3,000 of Macbeth's forces had fallen. The invaders only lost 1,500, but the outcome was indecisive. Macbeth retrenched his army near Scone and Malcolm moved south to control Cumbria, the southernmost province of Scotland. Over the next three years, Macbeth and his army were under constant assault by Malcolm, but he was able to stave him off. In 1057, Macbeth lost the support of two key allies, Pope Leo IX and the bishop of St. Andrew, Maelduin MacGille-Ordain, both of whom could have put pressure on England to not support Malcolm.

Macbeth also lost his chief general, Thorfinn, ruler of the Orkneys, who had recently died. On August 15, 1057, Macbeth was killed at the Battle of Lumphanan in Aberdeenshire by Malcolm's men as he tried to return to Moray. His body was buried in the holy isle of Iona, where many other Scottish kings were buried. A few days after his death, his stepson, Lulach, was elected high king. Lulach ruled for seven months before being killed by Malcolm's agents. Finally, on April 25, 1058, Malcolm MacDuncan became high king of Scotland. BBC - History - Historic Figures: Macbeth (c.1005 - 1057) Historic Figures Macbeth, c.1040 © Macbeth was a king of the Scots whose rule was marked by efficient government and the promotion of Christianity, but who is best known as the murderer and usurper in William Shakespeare's tragedy. Shakespeare's Macbeth bears little resemblance to the real 11th century Scottish king.

Mac Bethad mac Findláich, known in English as Macbeth, was born in around 1005. His father was Finlay, Mormaer of Moray, and his mother may have been Donada, second daughter of Malcolm II. A 'mormaer' was literally a high steward of one of the ancient Celtic provinces of Scotland, but in Latin documents the word is usually translated as 'comes', which means earl. In August 1040, he killed the ruling king, Duncan I, in battle near Elgin, Morayshire. Macbeth became king. His marriage to Kenneth III's granddaughter Gruoch strengthened his claim to the throne. In 1045, Macbeth defeated and killed Duncan I's father Crinan at Dunkeld. For 14 years, Macbeth seems to have ruled equably, imposing law and order and encouraging Christianity. In 1050, he is known to have travelled to Rome for a papal jubilee. He was also a brave leader and made successful forays over the border into Northumbria, England.

In 1054, Macbeth was challenged by Siward, Earl of Northumbria, who was attempting to return Duncan's son Malcolm Canmore, who was his nephew, to the throne. In August 1057, Macbeth was killed at the Battle of Lumphanan in Aberdeenshire by Malcolm Canmore (later Malcolm III). Lumphanan Peel Ring | Grampian | Castles, Forts and Battles Castle is owned by Historic Scotland . ADDITIONAL NOTES 1. Although popular opinion has latched onto Shakespeare’s version of history, Macbeth was seemingly a competent and able ruler. He promoted Christianity and, during his longer than average 17 year rule, made the first visit to Rome by a Scottish King. He acquired the throne through the defeat and death of King Duncan at the Battle of Pitgaveny in August 1040. Duncan was a weak and ineffective King however and had actually turned on Macbeth perhaps to secure a victory to strengthen his own position; Macbeth’s victory and accession to the throne was in accordance with convention.

Unfortunately so too was his own execution – he was beheaded on ‘Macbeth’s Stone’ following his defeat at the Battle of Lumphanan. The reign of Malcolm Canmore, as Malcolm III, lasted an impressive 35 years but ended in humiliation with his death of the First Battle of Alnwick (1093) in England. 2. The Durward name derives from their hereditary role at court where they were the ushers (door wards). 3. Lumphanan Peel is also known by the less flattering name, Peel Bog of Lumphanan. The site of Macbeth’s defeat and execution in 1057, Lumphanan Peel was constructed on top of a natural mound in the early thirteenth century by the Durward family. Edward I took the submission of a local landowner here during the Wars of Independence and the site remained in occupation until at least the eighteenth century. HISTORY OF LUMPHANAN PEEL Although associated with the history of the Scottish King Macbeth, famously immortalised by the Shakespeare play, Lumphanan Peel dates from a later time.

Macbeth had killed Duncan at the Battle of Pitgaveny near Elgin in Morayshire - not as Shakespeare suggests, by murdering him in his bed - and went onto rule for 17 years. However, at the Battle of Lumphanan in August 1057, Macbeth was killed by the former King's son, Malcolm Canmore. The Scottish throne passed initially to Lulach, Macbeth’s step-son, before Macolm killed him to assume the role as Malcolm III. Lumphanan Castle itself was built by the Durward family who were important members of the Court of de Lundis - a Norman family who had settled in Angus around the late twelfth century. The Durwood's established their principle seat at Coull where they built a stone castle but they also constructed Lumphanan at this time - most probably as a hunting lodge. The fortification consisted on a natural mound, heightened by additional earthworks, topped by a timber palisade (hence the name 'Peel Ring'). Surrounding the mound were two circular flooded ditches. A sluice controlled the water level and a drawbridge provided access into the interior.

The castle was still occupied in the late thirteenth century when, in July 1296, it hosted a visit by Edward I in order for Sir John de Melville, Lord of Raith to render his homage to the English King. Shortly after this event the castle was abandoned. The site was reactivated in the late fifteenth century when it was acquired by Thomas Charteris. He built the two storey Halton House on the summit of the mount which seemed to remain in occupation for an extended period. Archaeological evidence shows further building work as late as the eighteenth century. The top of the Peel. The site of Halton House can be seen to left of centre.

Question: Which Scottish King was killed at the battle of Lumphanan in 1057?
Answer: Macbeth